Contact: Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D – Milwaukee) (608)266-2500

MADISON, WI – Senator LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) offered the weekly Democratic radio address today.

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here:
http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen16/senatorjohnsonradio061418.mp3A written transcript of the address is below:

“Hello. I’m State Senator LaTonya Johnson.

“On June 19, we recognize Juneteenth Day as a critical piece of our country’s heritage and as a day that honors and remembers the historic struggle for freedom for our ancestors.

“Juneteenth came to be in 1865, with the formal announcement of the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas. When the Union Army came to Galveston to announce the surrender of the Confederate Army and the ensuing emancipation of thousands of enslaved people in Galveston, the formerly enslaved people took to the streets to rejoice.

“As we pay homage to those who came before us and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens, Juneteenth is also an important day to reflect on the challenges that remain, especially here in Wisconsin.

“The unfortunate reality is that our state has been cited as ‘the worst state to raise an African American child.’ Wisconsin has some of the widest racial disparities in education and poverty, and our state incarcerates more African American males than any other state in the nation. Juneteenth is a day in which we can celebrate the victories of previous generations, as well as recognize the need to improve opportunities for future generations.

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues who are committed to putting all Wisconsin families first, and believe that each and every one of us deserves the freedom to achieve the American Dream.”

“Thank you.”

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